JP3937179B2 - Game screen display control method, character movement control method, game machine, and recording medium recording program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control method for a game screen, a character movement control method, a game machine, and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

  In a game device that realizes a so-called action-type game or the like, a hero (player character) in a game image displayed on a screen of a display device is controlled in accordance with an operation signal from an input device (controller pad) operated by a player. And the story of the game progresses.

  In particular, in recent years, with the improvement of hardware performance, the game effect is enhanced by providing a game image in which a player character behaves in a virtual three-dimensional space with three-dimensional graphics.

  This three-dimensional graphics is based on the three-dimensional data representing the object, and the spatial positional relationship of the object in the visual line direction from the viewpoint position in the virtual three-dimensional space (sometimes referred to as “projection center position”). Is calculated, and image processing such as rendering processing is further performed to express the object three-dimensionally. That is, in a game using 3D graphics, a player character or other object viewed from the viewpoint position is three-dimensionally expressed, and the viewpoint or line of sight is moved according to the player's operation or the game scene, so that the virtual 3D It provides game images that represent space. A game image viewed from such a viewpoint position is sometimes called a camera angle, which is similar to a camera image.

  By the way, in an action-type game or the like, the interest often depends on the game video represented on the display in addition to the story of the game. For this reason, in producing a game (game program), what kind of game video is provided to the player is a very important factor.

  However, the conventional game only provides a game video representing a virtual three-dimensional space from a specific camera angle, and does not provide a game video with an optimal camera angle according to the game situation.

  For example, a game image that is being photographed while being tracked from a virtual camera that is always placed at the upper rear position of the character through a game story is being provided.

  However, in such a game image with a specific camera angle, it is not sufficient to represent enemy characters approaching from behind the character or items placed behind, so that there is no attack from behind In addition, there was no choice but to restrict the behavior of enemy characters.

  When the character enters a narrow cave, the camera angle from the upper rear position up to that point is switched to the low angle from the character's eye position.

  However, in such a game, when a specific scene or stage is reached, the camera angle is only switched to a predetermined camera angle, and which camera angle is optimal depending on the situation of the game that changes in real time. There was no such thing as judging and switching.

  As described above, one of the factors that increase the interest of a game is to provide a game image that further enhances the effect of the game.

  However, the conventional game only provides a game image representing a virtual three-dimensional space from a specific camera angle, and selects an optimal camera angle according to the game situation and provides a game image based on the camera angle. I never did.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a game image for effectively expressing a virtual three-dimensional space according to the game situation.

  Further, depending on the content of the game, there is a game in which the character can be moved in a direction different from the progress direction while the game story is advanced by moving the character in a specific direction in the virtual three-dimensional space. .

  However, if the camera angle from the position of the character's line of sight or the upper rear position deviates from the direction in which the character on the story of the game should be advanced and the direction it currently faces, which direction the character is currently facing? Loss of so-called direction sense is lost. For this reason, consideration for providing a game image is required so as to suggest a direction in which the character should be advanced.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a game image in which a player operating a character in a virtual three-dimensional space represented on a display does not lose a sense of direction in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  Also, the character moves in the direction designated by the direction instruction key of the input device. However, when the character can move in the virtual three-dimensional space, the movement direction of the character on the game image and the input instruction direction by the input device are different. There may be deviation. For example, if the road that the character should pass is a loop shape, even if the direction indicator key is instructed in the forward direction (the back side of the game image), the character is in the direction that the character should travel in the game image in the middle of the looped road. On the other hand, it will proceed in the opposite direction.

  In such a case, if the player switches the direction of the direction instruction key in accordance with the moving direction of the character on the game image, the operation becomes very complicated and the operation of the player is confused.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a game device that makes it easy for a player to perform an input operation on an input device for moving a character in a virtual three-dimensional space represented on a display.

  The present invention displays the first game screen obtained by the first projection on the virtual three-dimensional space, and is set in the virtual three-dimensional space with the character (player character) that has moved in the virtual three-dimensional space. When the predetermined area is in a predetermined positional relationship, the priority of the first projection is compared with the priority of the second projection associated with the predetermined area, and the first projection When the priority of the second projection is higher than the priority, the second game screen obtained by the second projection on the virtual three-dimensional space is displayed. is there.

  Here, projection refers to viewing a virtual three-dimensional space from a virtual camera, and is given by various parameters such as the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction, viewing area (viewing angle) of the virtual camera.

  The predetermined area may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, for example, a plane provided perpendicular to the field surface on which the player character moves, an area of a predetermined shape on the field surface, a polygonal body, or a sphere. Also good.

  The predetermined positional relationship means a positional relationship when the player character touches a predetermined area, a positional relationship when the player character is in the predetermined area, or the like.

  Further, the present invention provides a first display means for displaying a first game screen obtained by a first projection on a virtual three-dimensional space, a character moving in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a virtual three-dimensional space A first determination means for determining a positional relationship with a predetermined area set to the first priority, and when the first determination means determines that there is a predetermined positional relationship, A second determination unit that compares the second projection priority associated with the predetermined area; and the second determination unit sets the second projection priority to the first projection priority. And a second display means for displaying a second game screen obtained by the second projection with respect to the virtual three-dimensional space when it is determined that the degree is higher than the degree. is there.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to image data generating means for generating image data by current projection on a virtual three-dimensional space, and display means for displaying a game screen according to the image data generated by the image data generating means. , A movement processing means for performing processing related to the movement of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space in response to an input operation of the player based on the game screen displayed on the display means, the character in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a predetermined A first determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the current projection and a projection associated with the predetermined area when the first determination unit determines that there is a predetermined positional relationship. A second determination means for comparing priorities, wherein the image data generation means is a projection whose priority is determined to be high by the second determination means. A game machine and generates image data as the current projection.

  Furthermore, the present invention is also realized as a program for causing a game machine to realize a predetermined function. Specifically, the present invention is a recording medium recording a program for causing a game machine to perform display control of a game screen, wherein the program is a first game obtained by a first projection on a virtual three-dimensional space. First display means for displaying a screen; first determination means for determining a positional relationship between a character moving in the virtual three-dimensional space and a predetermined area set in the virtual three-dimensional space; A second that compares the priority of the first projection with the priority of the second projection associated with the predetermined area when the first determination means determines that the predetermined positional relationship exists. And when the second determination means determines that the priority of the second projection is higher than the priority of the first projection, the second projection with respect to the virtual three-dimensional space. The second gain obtained by A recording medium for recording a program characterized by comprising a second display means for displaying the beam window.

  The present invention is also a character movement control method in which an input direction of an input device with respect to a viewing direction in a virtual three-dimensional space is associated with a moving direction of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space. When the moving player character is in a predetermined section set in the virtual three-dimensional space, the moving direction of the character is determined based on predetermined path information associated with the predetermined section. This is a character movement control method.

  Further, in a game machine that performs character movement control in which the input direction of the input means with respect to the viewing direction in the virtual three-dimensional space is associated with the moving direction of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space, a predetermined projection on the virtual three-dimensional space is performed. Display means for displaying the game screen obtained by the above-mentioned, and a character that has moved in the virtual three-dimensional space by the operation of the player based on the game screen displayed by the display means is set in the virtual three-dimensional space. Determining means for determining whether or not the character is in a section, and movement of the character based on predetermined path information associated with the predetermined section when the determining means determines that the user is in the predetermined section. A game machine comprising a moving direction determining means for determining a direction.

  Here, the game machine responds to a movement processing unit that performs a process related to the movement of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the movement direction determined by the movement direction determination unit, and a process related to the movement by the movement processing unit. Image data generating means for generating image data, and display control means for controlling display of the game screen based on the image data generated by the image data generating means.

  The path information is a plurality of point data to which position coordinates and direction information in a virtual three-dimensional space are given, and the game machine selects points from the path information based on the position coordinates of the character. Point data specifying means for specifying data is further provided, wherein the moving direction determining means determines the moving direction based on direction information given to the point data specified by the point data specifying means.

  Further, the point data specifying means specifies point data given a position coordinate closest to the position coordinate of the character.

  In addition, the moving direction determining means sets a moving direction as a moving direction from a position coordinate of the character to a position coordinate of a target point located a predetermined distance ahead of the point data specified by the point data characteristic means. To do.

  Further, the present invention is also realized as a program for causing a game machine to realize a predetermined function. Specifically, the present invention is a recording medium that records a program for causing a game machine to perform movement control of a character related to a game, and the program displays a game screen obtained by predetermined projection on a virtual three-dimensional space. And a display means for determining whether or not a character that has moved in the virtual three-dimensional space by an operation of a player based on the game screen displayed by the display means is in a predetermined section set in the virtual three-dimensional space. A determination unit that determines a movement direction of the character based on predetermined path information associated with the predetermined section when the determination unit determines that the user is in the predetermined section. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon.

  The recording medium includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM in addition to a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, and the like. The computer includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer in which a so-called central processing unit such as a CPU or MPU performs predetermined processing by interpreting a program.

  In addition, an invention of a product can be grasped as a method invention, and a method invention can be grasped as a product invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game image in which a virtual three-dimensional space is projected (captured) from an optimal virtual camera position according to a game situation.

  Further, according to the present invention, even if the line-of-sight direction changes by changing the camera angle in various ways according to the situation of the game, it is not necessary to change the input direction in accordance with this, and the input operation is simplified. Will be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the game machine can acquire game-related information from the server via the network and can use it for the game.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The embodiment of the present invention describes an action-type game (game name: sonic adventure) in which a player character operated by a player repeats a battle with a number of enemy characters while proceeding through a course set in a virtual three-dimensional space. Shall.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a game device according to the present invention includes a control unit 1 mainly composed of a CPU 101 and the like, an input device 2 for a user to input an operation signal to the control unit, and an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”). ) And application programs (game programs), and an external storage device 3 for inputting these programs to the control unit as needed, a display device 4a and a speaker 4b for providing images and sounds to the user, etc. An output device 4 is provided. Further, a communication device 5 for transmitting / receiving data to / from another computer or game device via a telephone line or the like is provided. The external storage device 3 is not limited to the illustrated CD-ROM or the like, and may be a recording medium or the like that can write and hold data from the control unit 1.

  When power is turned on to start a game, a boot program loader (not shown) loads a boot program (sometimes called an initial program) stored in the ROM 102 to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 executes the boot program. . In accordance with this boot program, the CPU 101 loads all or a necessary part of the OS stored in the CD-ROM or the like into the main memory 103 and executes the OS.

  Under the control of the OS, the CPU 101 loads all or necessary portions of application programs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “programs”) stored in a CD-ROM or the like into the main memory 103 and is necessary. In response to this, drawing data and image data stored in a CD-ROM or the like are loaded into the graphic memory 104, and sound data is loaded into the sound memory 105.

  The CPU 101 executes an application program stored in the main memory 103 under the control of the OS. Data accompanying the execution of the application program is written and referred to the main memory 103 and the backup memory 106 whenever necessary. The backup memory 106 stores data in order to maintain the previous state even when the power is shut off due to a game interruption or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the OS, application program, and the like are configured to be provided from a CD-ROM, but may be configured to be supplied from, for example, a ROM or another computer via a network. Good.

  A video display processor (VDP) 107 reads drawing data necessary for image display stored in the graphic memory 104, and performs various information processing (image processing) based on instructions and data from the CPU 101 by executing an application program. ) To generate image data. Various image processing includes, for example, texture mapping, light source processing, display priority processing, and the like. In order to display the generated image data on the display device 4a, the VDP 107 outputs to the encoder 108. The generated image data may be written in, for example, a frame buffer memory and read out from the frame buffer memory at a predetermined timing.

  A sound processor 109 reads sound data stored in the sound memory 105 and performs various information processing (sound processing) based on instructions and data from the CPU 101 by executing an application program. The various audio processes include, for example, an effect process and a mixing process. The sound data that has been subjected to various audio processes is converted into analog data by the D / A converter 110 and output to the speaker.

  A bus arbiter (Bus Arbiter) 111 performs control between units connected via a data transmission path (such as a bus). For example, the bus arbiter 111 determines the priority order between units in order to determine the unit that occupies the bus, and assigns the bus occupancy time of the occupying unit.

  In addition, the game machine in this embodiment shall include the computer which processes by what is called a central processing unit, such as CPU and MPU, interprets a program. The recording medium includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM in addition to a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a DVD, and the like.

  The game machine according to the present invention configured as described above realizes a predetermined function according to the present invention by the CPU executing a program read from an external recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Hereinafter, the game machine according to the present embodiment will be functionally expressed and described with reference to a functional block diagram configured by function realizing means.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the input unit 2 is for the player to give various operations while watching the game screen displayed on the display unit 4. The input unit 2 generates an operation signal corresponding to the player's operation, and sends this operation signal to the input control unit 21. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the input unit 2 can give a direction in which the player character wants to move in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  The input control unit 21 performs control according to the operation signal sent from the input unit 2. That is, when an operation signal instructing movement of the player character is sent from the input unit 2, the operation signal is sent to the movement processing unit 22. The movement processing unit 22 calculates the position coordinates of the player character in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the operation signal that is sent out. The movement processing unit 22 sends the calculated position coordinates of the player character to the collision determination unit 23.

  The collision determination unit 23 determines whether or not the player character has touched a camera switching determination area (hereinafter referred to as “area”) set in advance in the virtual three-dimensional space due to the movement, and the determination result is switched to the camera. The data is sent to the determination unit 25. The area is set at a position where the player character can move in the virtual three-dimensional space, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. However, this area is not normally displayed in the game video unless it is related to the game story.

  The area information storage unit 24 holds the position, shape, and the like of the area set in the virtual three-dimensional space as area information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of area information stored in the area information storage unit 24. As shown in FIG. 5A, the area information includes an identification number for identifying each area, the shape and position (not shown) of the area in the virtual three-dimensional space, and each area. A priority, a camera angle, and its position (not shown) are associated with each other.

  The relationship between the priorities is given as shown in FIG. Of the priorities, “Area” is prioritized when the player character is in the area, and “Event” is prioritized while being forcibly specified by the program.

  The camera angle means a viewpoint position (camera position) and its line of sight (camera line of sight) in a virtual three-dimensional space, but unless otherwise specified, the viewpoint position (camera position) and the line of sight (camera) It is used in a broad sense including camera work (camera mode) and viewing angle of how to move the eye). The following is an example of a camera angle.

  Tracking: A virtual three-dimensional space is projected from a position away from the player character by a predetermined position so as to always track the player character.

  Direction designation: By projecting a gaze line of a virtual camera, a certain direction is always projected.

  One point designation: By designating the gazing point of the virtual camera, one point is always projected. Thereby, a look-up virtual camera, a look-down virtual camera, etc. can be designated.

  Distance adjustment: Designates the distance between the player character and the virtual camera. Thereby, zoom-in and zoom-out can be designated, and the player character can be shown large or the surrounding terrain can be looked over.

  Path movement: By specifying the route through which the virtual camera passes, it is possible to move the virtual camera as specified. As a result, it is possible to provide a game image when moving in a complicated terrain.

  Coordinate fixing: The direction of the player character is always projected while the position coordinates of the virtual camera are fixed.

  Event: customized for different situations.

  By preparing multiple types of such camera angles, in addition to the purpose of suggesting the direction in which the player character should move in the story of the game, the effect of action at a low angle can be produced, or a specific character can be zoomed up It is possible to produce special effects such as effectively expressing.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when the collision determination unit 23 determines that the player character has touched an area, the camera switching determination unit 25 stores the camera angle set in the area and the camera angle storage unit 26. The priorities of the current camera angles are compared to determine which one is higher, and the result is sent to the image data generation unit 27.

  The image data generation unit 27 generates image data representing the virtual three-dimensional space from the current camera angle, and sends this image data to the display control unit 28. The display control unit 28 performs control for displaying the sent image data on the display unit 4 as a game video.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the game machine displays a 3D game video on the display unit 4 according to the current camera angle (STEP 501). The player performs an input operation (moving operation) on the input unit 2 at hand while watching the game video displayed on the display unit 4. The input control unit 21 determines whether or not the input operation by the player is a movement instruction for the player character (STEP 502). If it is determined that the input operation is a movement instruction, the movement processing unit 22 The position coordinates of the player character at are calculated.

  Next, the collision determination unit 23 determines whether or not the player character has touched the area set in the virtual three-dimensional space by the movement (STEP 504). When it is determined that the player character has touched the area, the camera switching determination unit 25 compares the priority of the current camera angle and the camera angle associated with the area, and determines which is higher. Determination is made (STEP505, 406). When the camera switching determination unit 25 determines that the priority of the camera angle with respect to the area is higher than the priority of the current camera angle, the camera angle of the area is switched as the current camera angle (STEP 507). Thereby, the game image in which the camera angle is switched is displayed on the display unit 4.

  If it is determined in STEP 506 that the current camera angle has a higher priority, the camera angle is not switched and a game video from the current camera angle is displayed.

  As described above, according to the game machine of the present embodiment, when the player character touches the camera switching determination area while moving in the virtual three-dimensional space, it is determined whether or not the camera angle is switched. The camera angle is switched when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of camera switching. As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the player character P is moving in the direction of the arrow along the paths P1, P2, and P3 set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the game video is a camera from the virtual camera C1. It is assumed that a virtual three-dimensional space projected from an angle is displayed. If the player operates the player character P and changes the direction to the path P2 side at the end of the path P1, the player character P contacts the area A, and it is determined whether or not the camera angle is switched. Now, assuming that the priority of the virtual camera C2 is higher than that of the virtual camera C1, the camera angle is switched to the virtual camera C2, and the game image displays a virtual three-dimensional space projected by the virtual camera C2. It will be.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of camera switching. That is, this figure is a game screen in which the path of the player character P extending in the depth direction in the virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from the virtual camera (C0; not shown) at the upper rear position of the player character P. In this game situation, a planar area A1 and a spherical area A2 are set in front of the player character. Further, a virtual camera C1 is associated with the area A1, and a virtual camera C2 is associated with the area A2. Now, assuming that the player character P touches the area A1 by the player's operation, the current virtual camera C0 and virtual camera C1 are compared in priority. When the priority of the virtual camera C1 in the area is high, the camera angle of the virtual camera C1 is switched. Similarly, when the player character P touches the spherical area A2, it is determined whether or not the camera angle is switched, and a game video from a virtual camera with a high priority is displayed.

  As described above, it is possible to provide a game image in which a virtual three-dimensional space is projected (captured) from an optimal position according to the game situation. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the priority of the camera angle is compared, a more optimal game image can be provided. Further, since the priority of the current camera angle is given by the movement pattern of the player character, the way of switching the camera angle is also dynamically changed, and an interesting game image can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
As for the direction instruction key of the input device 2 used in the game machine, the input direction is determined by the direction in which the key is tilted, and the moving speed and acceleration are determined by the tilted degree (stroke). The moving direction of the player character in the game video representing the virtual three-dimensional space is determined by instructing the input direction with respect to the visual line direction in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  Therefore, when the line-of-sight direction (camera angle) changes, the moving direction of the player character changes even if the input direction of the direction instruction key does not change.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the player character passes through a course formed in a loop shape, as shown in FIG. 8, the line-of-sight directions at the respective points A, B, and C (broken arrows) Therefore, in order to make the direction in which the player character should move constant, it is necessary to change the input direction with respect to the line-of-sight direction.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the game video provided while moving the virtual camera (line of sight), if the input direction of the input instruction key is made constant, the direction in which the player character should move changes.

  Therefore, in the game operation method in which the input direction with respect to the line-of-sight direction is set as the moving direction of the player character, the present embodiment is specified regardless of the change in the input direction with respect to the line-of-sight direction when the player character is in a specific section. The player character is controlled to move in the direction of

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the present embodiment.

The input unit 2 (corresponding to the input device of FIG. 1) has a direction instruction key (not shown). The input unit 2 is operated according to the direction in which the direction instruction key is tilted (hereinafter referred to as “input direction”) and the degree of tilt (hereinafter referred to as “stroke amount”) when the direction instruction key is tilted by the player. A signal is sent to the input control unit 1001 .

The input control unit 1001 performs control according to the operation signal sent from the input unit 2. That is, the input control unit 1001 performs control for sending the input direction and the stroke amount sent from the input unit 2 to the movement processing unit 1002 according to the determination result of the section determination unit 1003 described later. The movement processing unit 1002 calculates the position coordinates of the player character in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the instructed moving direction and stroke amount. The section determination unit 1003 determines whether or not the player character is in a specific section. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the specific section is a section formed in a loop shape. When the section determination unit 1003 determines that the player character is in a specific section, the movement processing unit 1003 does not calculate the position coordinates of the player character based on the input direction by the direction instruction key, A movement instruction direction instead of is generated inside, and position coordinates are calculated based on this. The image data generation unit 1004 generates image data representing a virtual three-dimensional space from the current camera angle based on the position coordinates of the player character obtained by the movement processing unit 1002, and displays the image data as a display control unit 1005. To send. The display control unit 1005 performs control for displaying the sent image data on the display unit 4 as a game video.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing details of the movement processing unit. When the player character is determined to not within a specific area by the section determination unit 1003, the position coordinate calculating unit 110 5, based on the stroke amount of the input direction and the stroke quantity detecting section 1001b from the direction detection unit 1001a To calculate the position coordinates of the player character. On the other hand, when it is determined that are within a specific section, the point data identifying unit 110 1, from the column information points stored in the path information storage unit 110 3, is located closest to the player character identify the point (closest point) information, and sends this to the movement instruction direction acquisition unit 110 4. Movement instruction direction acquisition unit 110 4, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), moving the pointing direction given to data points sent (in the figure, is. That indicated by the triangular arrow) acquires (decision), which and it sends to the position coordinate calculating unit 100 5. Position coordinate calculating section 100 5 calculates the position coordinates of the player character based on stroke sent from the mobile pointing direction and the stroke quantity detecting section 1001b is sent from the mobile pointing direction obtaining section 100 4. In other words, the position coordinate of the player character is calculated by regarding the internally generated movement instruction direction as the input direction from the input unit 2.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the path information. As shown in the figure, the path information is position coordinates and a direction vector (movement instruction direction) given to each point of the point sequence arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. This path information is given to a specific section in the course set in the virtual three-dimensional space.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the game machine displays a 3D game image on the display unit 4 according to the current camera angle (STEP 1401). The player performs an input operation (movement instruction operation) on the input unit 2 while viewing the game video displayed on the display unit 4 (STEP 1402). At this time, the section determination unit 1003 determines whether or not the player character is currently in a specific section (STEP 140 3 ). If it is determined that it is not in a specific section, the movement processing unit 1002 calculates the position coordinates of the player character based on the input direction from the direction detection unit 1001a and the stroke amount from the stroke amount detection unit 1001b. (STEP 1404). On the other hand, if it is determined that the current position is within a specific section, the movement processing unit 1002 identifies a point (nearest point) closest to the player character from the pass data (STEP 1405), and gives this nearest point. The obtained movement instruction direction is acquired (STEP 1406). Then, the movement processing unit 1002 acquires the position coordinates of the player character based on the movement instruction direction and the stroke amount (STEP 1407). As a result, the current game video is displayed on the display unit 4 (STEP 1401).

  In the present embodiment, the direction given to the point located closest to the player character is used as the internally generated movement instruction direction. However, the direction is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the nearest point is specified from the path information, a point ahead of the predetermined length L from this nearest point is determined as the target point, and the position coordinate of the target point is determined from the current position coordinate. The direction to go may be the movement instruction direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 2 (c), may be replaced position coordinates of the closest point that is specified in the current position coordinates of the player character from the path information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the moving direction of the player character is determined based on the input direction with respect to the line-of-sight direction, even if the input direction with respect to the line-of-sight direction changes within a specific section, The direction to move can be made constant.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to change the input direction according to the change in the line-of-sight direction, and the input operation can be simplified. As a result, the player can concentrate on the original game operation and does not impair the original interest of the game.

[Third Embodiment]
This embodiment is characterized in that information related to a game is obtained from a server via a network.

  FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. In the figure, a game execution unit 1501 executes a predetermined game program and provides a game to the player. The browser 1502 is connected to the server 1503 via the network by the communication device 5 (not shown), and obtains game related information stored in the game related information DB 1504 according to a predetermined access request (data transfer request). The browser 1502 stores the acquired game related information in the game related information storage unit 1505.

  The browser 1502 can be activated when the game machine is turned on or at the time designated by the user. For example, the browser may be activated when the player selects a network connection on the game start menu screen or when the game story is developed (stage).

  The game-related information is, for example, information related to the object necessary for displaying the object on the game screen (image data, coordinate data, stage number indicating the displayed stage, etc.), and a password required for the game story progress. Information regarding items used in the game story. Also, it may be information regarding the BGM or sound effect of the game. For example, when the game sound is obtained, the sound is set to be generated when a special operation is performed.

  For example, the game related information storage unit 1505 is formed in the backup memory 106 shown in FIG. 1 and is read into the main memory 103 or the graphic memory 104 of the game machine body 1 as necessary. The backup memory 106 is connected to the game machine main body 1 via a connection means, and is configured to be detachable so that various data can be exchanged with other game machine main bodies 1.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a process for acquiring game related information by the game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the game software is activated by the activation operation of the player (STEP 1601), the game machine displays a menu screen (STEP 1602). When the player selects “Internet” using the controller pad or the like at hand, the game machine starts the browser 1502 and connects to the server 1503 according to a predetermined network connection script (STEP 1603), and a homepage (STEP 1603) related to the game. The menu in the Web page is displayed (STEP 1604). When the player selects download of additional image data according to the menu displayed on the displayed related home page, the browser 1502 starts downloading the additional image data (object data) and stores it in the game related information storage unit 1505 (STEP 1605). . As a result, the game machine can acquire game-related information from the server 1503.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation example using game-related information by the game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game machine reads stage data according to the progress of the game, changes the stage of the game (STEP 1701), and stores image data related to the game stage in an external storage device (for example, a CD-ROM). Read from the drive 3) (STEP 1701). Next, the game machine determines whether or not there is additional image data downloaded in the game related information storage unit 1505 (STEP 1703), and if it is determined that there is additional image data downloaded, the additional image is further displayed. Data (including character image information and coordinate information in the virtual three-dimensional space of the game) is also read from the game related information storage unit 1505 (STEP 1704). Thereafter, the game machine forms a game screen based on the coordinate information of the image data and / or additional image data read in accordance with the progress of the game, and displays this (STEP 1705). Note that the game machine configures the game screen so that the additional image data is displayed at a position specified by the coordinate data in preference to the normal image data. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen calibrated using the additional image data. As shown in the figure, for example, the player character P is displayed in a virtual three-dimensional space representing a stage of a certain game, and the additional image data 1801 is at a position indicated by the three-dimensional coordinate data in the virtual three-dimensional space. It is displayed. In this manner, the additional image data downloaded from the server is displayed as appropriate in the game stage.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the game machine of the player can obtain game-related information whenever necessary via the network and can use it in the game.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to configure a game screen according to image data acquired via an external storage device or a network and present it to the player. Further, when image data is acquired from the server via the network, it is displayed with priority, so that the latest data acquired from the server can be dynamically presented to the player.

  In addition, examples of applying game-related information to a game include the following.

(1) Advertising billboard display Object data is displayed as an advertising billboard on the background of the game screen.

  Also, as a modification, a signboard is set in the game stage, and the game is configured to compete for time when all the player characters operated by the player touch these signboards.

(2) Downloading the design (texture) of the item used by the player character or the like in the game.

(3) The game stage is changed according to the type and number of downloaded game-related information.

(4) Upload individual player data generated in the game to the server. Another player exchanges personal data among the players by downloading this data.

The figure which shows the structure of the game machine which concerns on this invention. Functional block diagram of the game machine according to the first embodiment Diagram for explaining an example of camera switching The figure which shows an example of the area information memorize | stored in the area information storage part The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the other example of camera switching The figure for demonstrating an example of the change of the input direction with respect to a gaze direction The figure which shows the partial area | region of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the other example of the change of the input direction with respect to a gaze direction Functional block diagram of a game machine according to the second embodiment Functional block diagram showing details of the movement processor The figure for demonstrating the example of acquisition of a movement instruction | indication direction Diagram for explaining path information The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Functional block diagram showing a configuration of a game system according to the third embodiment The figure for demonstrating the acquisition process of the game relevant information by the game machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the operation example using the game relevant information by the game machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the game screen which concerns on 3rd Embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part 2 ... Input device 3 ... CD-ROM drive 4 ... Output device 5 ... Communication apparatus 21 ... Input control part 22 ... Movement processing part 23 ... Collision determination part 24 ... Area information storage part 25 ... Camera switching determination part 26 ... Camera angle storage unit 27 ... Image data generation unit 28 ... Display control unit

Claims (7)

Input control means for detecting an operation input from the player;
Position coordinate storage means for storing the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Path information storage means for storing position coordinates and direction vectors given to the respective points of the point sequence arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space as point data;
From the point data stored in the path information storage means, the point data located closest to the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space is specified, and the direction vector given to the specified point data Movement instruction direction acquisition means for acquiring
Position coordinate calculation means for moving the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction of the direction vector acquired by the movement instruction direction acquisition means when an operation input from the player is detected by the input control means;
A game machine comprising: Section determination means for determining whether or not the position coordinates of the character stored in the position coordinate storage means are within a specific section set in advance in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Further comprising
The position coordinate calculation means includes:
If it is determined that the position coordinates of the character are within a specific section as a result of the determination by the section determination means, the movement instruction direction is acquired when an operation input from the player is detected by the input control means. Moving the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction of the direction vector acquired by the means;
The game machine according to claim 1. The input control means includes
Based on the operation input from the player, the input direction and stroke amount are detected,
The position coordinate calculation means includes:
When an operation input from the player is detected by the input control means, based on the direction of the direction vector acquired by the movement instruction direction acquisition means and the stroke amount detected by the input control means, a virtual three-dimensional Calculate the position coordinates of the character in space,
The game machine according to claim 1. Section determination means for determining whether or not the position coordinates of the character stored in the position coordinate storage means are within a specific section set in advance in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Further comprising
The position coordinate calculation means includes:
If it is determined that the position coordinates of the character are within a specific section as a result of the determination by the section determination means, the movement instruction direction is acquired when an operation input from the player is detected by the input control means. Calculating the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the direction of the direction vector acquired by the means and the stroke amount detected by the input control means;
The game machine according to claim 3. The position coordinate calculation means includes:
As a result of the determination by the section determination means, when it is determined that the position coordinates of the character are not within a specific section, when the operation input from the player is detected by the input control means, the input control means Calculating the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the detected input direction and stroke amount;
The game machine according to claim 4. Control means for controlling the operation of the game machine;
Position coordinate storage means for storing the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Path information storage means for storing position coordinates and direction vectors given to the respective points of the point sequence arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space as point data;
A method for controlling movement of a character in a game comprising:
From the point data stored in the path information storage means, the point data located closest to the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space is specified, and the direction vector given to the specified point data Step to get the
Moving the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction of the acquired direction vector when an operation input from the player is detected;
A character movement control method comprising: Game console,
Input control means for detecting an operation input from the player;
Position coordinate storage means for storing the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Path information storage means for storing position coordinates and direction vectors given to the respective points of the point sequence arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space as point data;
From the point data stored in the path information storage means, the point data located closest to the position coordinate of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space is specified, and the direction vector given to the specified point data Movement instruction direction acquisition means for acquiring
Position coordinate calculation means for moving the position coordinates of the character in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction of the direction vector acquired by the movement instruction direction acquisition means when an operation input from the player is detected by the input control means;
A recording medium on which a program for functioning as a recording medium is recorded.

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